The Himachal Pradesh High Court has expressed serious concern over the deteriorating condition of the Hindustan-Tibet Border Road, which passes through the Shimla and Kinnaur districts. The court has demanded accountability from the state Public Works Department (PWD) officers and contractors responsible for its maintenance.
Court Observations on Road Condition
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi observed that temporary patchwork on the damaged highway would be insufficient during the upcoming monsoon season. The court noted that the road, which is crucial for connecting apple-producing areas of Shimla and hydroelectric project regions of Kinnaur, has suffered extensive damage.
Government's Explanation and Court's Reaction
The state government cited adverse weather conditions and a shortage of bitumen, attributed to the US-Iran war, as possible reasons for the delay in permanent restoration work. Currently, temporary patchwork is being carried out on a 55-kilometer stretch of the highway, while work on another 14 kilometers remains incomplete.
During the hearing, Surender Pal Jagota, Engineer-in-Chief (Projects) of the state PWD, appeared in person along with Ajay Kapoor, an official from the National Highway division. An affidavit filed before the court admitted that the crucial road stretch suffered extensive damage.
The bench remarked, "It is a standard practice of this department to start work just before the start of the rains and pass on the responsibilities to the weather conditions." The court clarified that even if funds were received and work started, it would only commence before the monsoon begins and would be suspended during the monsoon season. The court observed that work should restart only after the rains end in September to ensure no misappropriation of funds likely to be received from the central government.
Contractors' Negligence
The court noted that the road from Dhalli to Narkanda was resurfaced with bituminous concrete between 2021 and 2024, but it was damaged due to heavy monsoon rains in 2023 and 2025. The affidavit revealed that maintenance during the defect liability period was the responsibility of contractors M/s Ganpati Traders and M/s DCC Buildcon Private Limited. However, the contractors allegedly failed to undertake adequate repair work despite contractual obligations. The termination clauses were invoked, contracts terminated, and penalties imposed on the firms.
Court Directives
The bench directed the PWD to file a detailed affidavit, submitting information as it was imperative to find out the lack of responsibility for not maintaining the premium highway. The bench also took note of a proposal worth Rs 86 crore submitted to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for strengthening the highway and directed the central government to ensure necessary sanctions were made. PWD officials have been directed to remain present in court again on the next hearing.
